On October 14, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received famous Latvian composer, People’s Artist of the USSR Raimonds Pauls and Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, President of the Russian Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The guests were accompanied by Honorary Consul of Latvia in Armenia Armen Ghasaboghlyan.

During the meeting, His Holiness introduced the guests to the important mission and role of the Armenian Church in the lives of Armenians and emphasized that the Christian faith has made Armenians not only more spiritual, but also more creative and has become the main guarantee for preservation of the national identity.

The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his appreciation of Raimonds Pauls and Vladislav Tretyak for their great contributions to music and sports. The Supreme Patriarch wished that God give them strength and vigor to continue entertaining and inspiring people with more successes and to nourish the young generation with moral and spiritual values that are advocated through their dedicated service.

In their turn, Vladislav Tretyak and Raimonds Pauls expressed gratitude for the warm reception held at the spiritual center of all Armenians. After the meeting, the guests visited the museums of the Mother See where they got acquainted with the national and spiritual assets of the Armenian people, reports the information service of the Mother See to “Hayern Aysor”.